Dedicated Security & Paid Parking at Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal
Published on January 15, 2026
Beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the City of Alameda will introduce a new security guard service and implement a midweek paid parking program at the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal.
Improved Security & Parking Availability
The new security service will feature a dedicated guard assigned to the Seaplane Lagoon terminal. To offset the cost of this service and manage high midweek demand, parking will be priced at $3 per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only. Parking will remain free on Mondays, Fridays, and weekends. This targeted approach is designed to help commuters and visitors, especially those taking later ferry trips, find parking during peak transit days.
Seamless Payment Options
Following the successful rollout of mobile payments citywide last year, nearly 80% of riders at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal are paying remotely. Seaplane Lagoon riders will have two easy ways to pay:
- Mobile Payment: Riders are encouraged to download the ParkSmarter mobile app in advance or to familiarize themselves with the text-to-pay option, so they can pay remotely after boarding the ferry.
- On-Site Pay Stations: Pay stations will also be installed where payment is accepted prior to boarding the ferry.
Other ways to get to Seaplane Lagoon
Ferry riders are encouraged to explore alternative transportation to the terminals if they can, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Options include traveling on Mondays and Fridays instead of midweek, biking, walking, carpooling, or getting dropped off.
The City is in a good position to encourage alternate modes of transportation to the ferries. In 2025, 29% of Seaplane Lagoon ferry riders already reported biking or walking to the ferry. The City continues to build premier, low-stress walking and biking facilities to Seaplane Lagoon, with the 4-mile Cross Alameda Trail serving the terminal and the nearly-complete Central Avenue protected bikeway connecting riders from more southern locations. Bicyclists can store bikes in secure bike lockers at Seaplane Lagoon or bring their bikes on board. In fall 2025, SF Bay Ferry added an additional morning trip to meet demand for on-board bicycle space.
More Information
Paid parking is not planned for the Main Street ferry terminal, where parking occupancy remains very low.
For travel tips, see www.alamedaca.gov/getaround. More detailed information regarding ferry parking is available at www.alamedaca.gov/ferryparking. To receive updates on parking in Alameda, sign up for the auto parking mailing list: www.alamedaca.gov/subscribe.